Description
These Crispy Chicken Flautas are the ultimate crunchy, cheesy finger food that is perfect for dipping. Loaded with tender seasoned chicken, zesty green chiles, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, they are tightly rolled and fried to golden perfection. Whether served as a fun family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these flautas deliver that satisfying “crunch” in every single bite.
Ingredients
The Filling
- 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, drained well
- 4 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
The Assembly
- 20 soft flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- 20 toothpicks (for securing)
Serving Suggestions
- Sour cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Salsa
Instructions
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and salt. Toss until the meat is evenly coated. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and the drained green chiles until well mixed.
Roll
Working with one tortilla at a time, spoon about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center. Press the filling into a tight line across the middle. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling.
Secure
Secure the rolled tortilla with a toothpick. Technique: Weave the toothpick through the seam where the tortilla overlaps (like a needle and thread) to ensure it stays closed during frying.
Heat Oil
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) (to keep the finished batch warm). Pour about 1/2-inch of canola oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C).
Fry
Carefully place 3-4 flautas in the hot oil, seam-side down. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Drain & Keep Warm
Transfer the fried flautas to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and place them in the warm oven. Repeat with the remaining batches.
Serve
Remove the toothpicks before serving! Serve hot with your favorite dips.
Notes
Toothpick Safety: The toothpick is essential for keeping the flautas rolled tight in the hot oil, but don’t forget to pull them out before serving, especially for kids!
Oil Temp Matters: Try to maintain the oil at 375°F. If it’s too cool, the flautas will be greasy; too hot, and the tortilla burns before the cheese melts.
Baking Option: For a lighter version, brush the rolled flautas generously with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Tortilla Tip: If your tortillas are cracking, microwave them in a damp towel for 20 seconds to make them pliable before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Flautas
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken flautas recipe, crispy chicken tacos, fried rolled tacos, rotisserie chicken recipes, party appetizers, mexican finger food, cheesy chicken flautas